Building Sanctuary
Pace School is proud to announce that it has received its certification as a Sanctuary® program exemplifying organizational leadership in the provision of trauma informed education and treatment to children.
Pace is the first organization in the nation to receive this prestigious recognition from the Sanctuary® Institute. The Institute is a world leader in the field of trauma focused care and implementation of the Sanctuary model of organizational change that creates a safe environment where emotional and psychological healing can occur.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, 64% of children experience some form of trauma which shows a “strong and graded” relationship to many serious adult health problems, including early death. Additionally, research shows that traumatic and chronic stress interrupts a child’s learning, overriding their higher reasoning skills at a time when they are just developing.
The need to create a trauma sensitive environment for our students, families, and staff was recognized by Pace School in 2001 after meeting with noted child psychiatrist, Dr. Sandra Bloom. Since then, Pace has worked hard at implementing the Sanctuary Model, which is now supported and promoted by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare.
Creating Sanctuary and a trauma informed environment is more that just a philosophy. Each day Pace staff take specific actions that, over time, build a healing community for everyone in our program.
Trauma Sensitive Environment
CCBHO Conference Sanctuary Presentation
